I bought a Summit Bushmaster climber before they came out with the rapidclimb stirrups. Thinking it would make it easier to use, I bought a set of stirrups. I used them once before removing them because I didn't feel like I could control the stand as good as I could being strapped in. I've had no issues with the stand digging in, but maybe that's because of 230 lbs. of force pushing the teeth into the tree. If you pull the cable into the back of tree before seating the climber teeth, you "shouldn't" have any slipping.

I'll give the filling of the stand teeth a try and I too, have a problem with the foot stirups and know what you mean bowtechian, about not being able to control the stand with them, I'll remove them and see if that helps also.
If the filling of the teeth doesn't help, and it still feels unsafe to me.. I guess I'll get rid of it and look into something different.

i dont have much to add here,but if your putting on any tree that has broken branch'nubs',that can represent a problem.each time your cable is on 1 of these bumps,it may not b securely in contact with the tree! when you add weight/ slippage! i havent found a tree yet that was PERFECT,but those knots,nubs,bumps ,could b part of the problem,hope this might help-b safe--5BUCK

Thanks jonny5buck, thats something to think about, I felt that by having the stand cable over one of the nubs, or knots, that I may be safer and not slip, haven't given any thought that it may also put the cable in less contact with the tree and taht it may actually promote it slipping. Thanks!

I've been using a Summit Viper SS for 5 yrs. now and my only complaint is I should have got the Goliath instead. I'm 6'4" 250 , oh well, still love it. I've never had a slip, and the reason the teeth are flattened is so it doesen't damage the tree and so it isn't to difficult to work the piece loose when climbing or descending. I used to use an old Baker climber and it had pointed teeth, man that thing was scary to climb with on a smooth barked tree. Practically out of energy just climbing 20 or so feet because of the difficulty removing the platform and top.

I believe I took care of the slipping issue with my Summit. By using ladder stands.
want2hunt, I noticed my slippage problems early in the season, September. if you were fine until Nov., could it be the tree was wet or had areas of ice on it?
Either way be carefull and use a harness on your way up.
I'll still use my Summitt i'm sure but I will try to file the teeth a bit so it gets a better bite and I will not use the foot stirups, I guess I've always had problems with those as well.

I seemed to have more problems climbing smooth barked trees later in the season, I'm sure the colder semi frozen bark made it more difficult for the teeth to grab. It's a bummer because I like my stand but it just isn't as comfortable when it slips while climbing, once I get set it's fine though.

I own the Summit Bullet backpacker and have had mild slippage. Only during wet and cold days, when the trees harden up and are smooth. If you want better teeth penetration you should have the stand at a slight DECLINE NOT UPWARDS!! I don't belieive I will ever stand hunt in the rain with the summit or during freezing conditions. Do not use smooth trees whatsoever!! For safety precautions I replace the cables every year. $20.00 from Summit. I have also noticed that going up is much easier. Most of all you must be comfortable and confident up there and put yourself in a position to truly enjoy the hunting experience.